The Dog Days of July are swelteringly exciting at the library. This week is packed with great programs for adults and youth. Don’t forget that every book you read will enrich your lives in some way, but also can gain prizes for you at the library!
For adults, we’re offering the weekly Yarn Club on Thursday the 18th at 5:30 p.m., and the weekly Writers Group meeting on Saturday the 20th from 1:30-3:30 p.m. On Thursday the 18th at 6 p.m., Yoga People Oneonta is providing a free yoga class that will help you find serenity and rejuvenate your spirit. Come in comfortable clothing and learn from the best.
Our youth STEAM programs this week are Ozobot Mazes on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. where participants will learn to guide their Ozobot through a maze using coding with colored markers. Minecraft Club meets on Thursdays at 1 p.m., and free play at the Minecraft Hangout is held on Fridays at 3:30-5 p.m.
There are 12 programs this week for youth! On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings join us for Story Time at 9:30. On Thursday, we are fortunate to host Sarah Gutierrez for a bilingual Story Time. We are so appreciative of our volunteers and this program is sure to expand your child’s language skills.
New this summer is a book club for elementary aged youth that welcomes them to the enchanting realm of the “Magic Tree House” books! The journey doesn’t end with the turn of the final page. Through lively discussions and creative activities, we’ll delve deeper into the worlds we explore, fostering a love for reading and a passion for learning that will last a lifetime. This program meets weekly on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. and this week they’re reading Night of the Ninjas.
There is a new and improved Crafternoons Program every week on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. On the 17th, Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Summer Intern Kaylee Haig is joining us to bring crafts that focus on the adaptations that species use to adapt to their surrounding environment. Recommended for ages 9-15.
New this summer is the Teen Writers group that meets every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room. This is a program where young wordsmiths come together to unlock the power of storytelling and embark on a literary journey like no other! Our writer’s group is a welcoming and supportive space designed specifically for teenagers who have a passion for writing. Whether you’re crafting epic fantasy adventures, poignant poetry, gripping mysteries, or heartfelt personal essays, this is the place to hone your skills, share your work, and connect with fellow young writers who share your love for the written word.
Another valued volunteer, George Steele is offering two programs this week. At 10 a.m. on Friday, he’s bringing a program called Adventures with Pond Life to the library. Who lives in your local pond or wetland? You’ll be surprised at the numerous and varied water critters you might find. Dive into a tub of pond water to find out who is who, what they do, how they grow and where they go. Recommended for ages 3 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
At 1 p.m. on Friday, George Steele is offering a program called Adventures with a Magnetic Compass at the Homeschool Hangout. Yes, it’s likely most everyone has a GPS at hand but no one should venture into the outdoors without knowing how to use a magnetic compass. Learn how to navigate with a compass, find a bearing and travel in that direction. Can you do it well enough to make it through a compass navigation course ending up at the right destination? Recommended ages: 9 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
To register for programs, visit the Youth Program or Adult Program page at hmloneonta.org.
Library Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Tina Winstead is director of Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta. Her column appears in the community section of The Daily Star every Tuesday. Her columns may also be found online at www.thedailystar.com/community/library_corner.